Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
04:12
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
Published on: March 28, 2025
Hydrocephalus with brain tumors in children
Tai-Tong Wong1, Muh-Lii Liang, Hsin-Hung Chen
1Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, VACRS, No. 210, Sec 2, Shih-Pai, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. twong@vghtpe.gov.tw
Summary
Pediatric brain tumor patients often develop hydrocephalus. Shunt procedures like ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are used, but endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly favored for specific cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Tumor-associated hydrocephalus is a frequent complication in pediatric brain tumors.
- Management strategies include tumor resection, temporary drainage, and definitive shunting.
- This study reviews shunting procedures for tumoral hydrocephalus in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize institutional experience with definitive shunting procedures for pediatric tumoral hydrocephalus.
- To correlate findings with existing literature on hydrocephalus management in pediatric brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1,250 pediatric brain tumor cases (<18 years) from 1971-2008.
- Exclusion of cases with incomplete hydrocephalus records.
- Analysis of shunting procedures utilized for hydrocephalus.
Main Results:
- Hydrocephalus was present in 56.7% of pediatric brain tumor cases.
- Obstructive hydrocephalus predominated (98%) at diagnosis.
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts were most common (54.4%), with increasing use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) (10.9%) over time.
Conclusions:
- A shift towards more cautious VP shunt use for obstructive tumoral hydrocephalus in the last two decades.
- Emphasis on radical tumor resection and selective ETV use to reduce VP shunt dependency.
- ETV is increasingly utilized in specific pediatric brain tumor-associated hydrocephalus cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:19Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen. The...